Staycations in North West

Overview

The North West is South Africa's resort-and-safari province, home to the glittering Sun City complex and the malaria-free Big Five of the Pilanesberg, both set in an ancient volcanic landscape a couple of hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Further north, the private Madikwe reserve offers some of the country's most exclusive malaria-free safari lodges, while the Magaliesburg edge adds country escapes. It is a province that pairs easily with a Gauteng trip and works for everyone from families to honeymooners.

Few provinces pack so much into so little distance: a world-famous resort, a Big Five reserve and a luxury safari all within a short drive, and all of it malaria-free and family-friendly.

From R2,295 per person sharing · 9 packages · Best for: Sun City & Pilanesberg safari

Why Choose a North West Staycation?

• Sun City: the famous resort brings hotels, waterparks, golf and entertainment under one roof.
• Pilanesberg safari: Big Five game viewing in a scenic, malaria-free crater reserve.
• Madikwe luxury: exclusive, malaria-free private lodges for a special-occasion safari.
• Golf and family fun: championship courses and family attractions make it more than a safari stop.
• Close to Gauteng: most of it is within a two-to-three-hour drive of the cities.

What Can You See and Do in North West?

Sun City is the obvious draw, with the Valley of Waves waterpark, two championship golf courses, a casino and shows all in one resort. Next door, the Pilanesberg delivers Big Five game drives in a scenic, malaria-free crater, easily done as a half-day outing. Further out, Madikwe offers exclusive guided safaris, while the Magaliesburg edge adds ballooning, hiking and country retreats. The Vredefort Dome, the world's oldest and largest meteorite-impact site, sits on the province's southern edge.

Where Should You Stay in North West?

Sun City and the adjoining Pilanesberg are the heart of the province's staycations, an easy two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria and a natural pairing for a resort-and-safari weekend. Madikwe, further north near the Botswana border, is the choice for a more exclusive, malaria-free luxury safari. The Magaliesburg, closer to the cities, rounds things out with country lodges and adventure activities for a quick weekend away.

Which North West Staycation Packages Are Available?

Here is a selection of North West staycations on offer right now, with live lead-in prices. Prices are per person sharing unless noted, and every package can be paid off in Easy Installments.

Sun City Family Escape (2 nights, from R2,295)

Sun City is South Africa's famous resort complex, with the Valley of Waves waterpark, golf, a casino and shows under one roof. This 2-night family stay includes comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R2,295 per person sharing, down from R2,795. It suits families wanting space and easy activities for all ages.

Magaliesburg Hills Staycation (2 nights, from R2,700)

Magaliesburg is a range of ancient hills west of Johannesburg, dotted with country lodges, spas and adventure activities. This 2-night luxury escape includes comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R2,700 per person sharing, down from R3,200. A treat for travellers who want polished rooms and standout service.

Sun City Cabanas Staycation (2 nights, from R3,485)

Sun City is South Africa's famous resort complex, with the Valley of Waves waterpark, golf, a casino and shows under one roof. This 2-night family stay includes comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R3,485 per person sharing, down from R3,985. It suits families wanting space and easy activities for all ages.

Sun City Classic Retreat (2 nights, from R3,485)

Sun City is South Africa's famous resort complex, with the Valley of Waves waterpark, golf, a casino and shows under one roof. This 2-night family stay includes comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R3,485 per person sharing, down from R3,985. A practical family base with something to keep everyone busy.

Sun City Garden Hideaway (2 nights, from R4,110)

Sun City is South Africa's famous resort complex, with the Valley of Waves waterpark, golf, a casino and shows under one roof. This 2-night luxury escape includes comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R4,110 per person sharing, down from R4,610. It suits couples and anyone marking a special occasion.

Bush Retreat in Pilanesberg (2 nights, from R5,075)

Pilanesberg is a malaria-free Big Five reserve set in an ancient volcanic crater, an easy game-viewing drive from Sun City. Priced from R5,075 per person sharing, down from R5,575. A strong pick for anyone chasing Big Five sightings and time in the bush.

Bush Escape in Finfoot Lake Reserve, Pilanesberg (3 nights, from R5,245)

Finfoot Lake Reserve is a tranquil private reserve on the Pilanesberg's edge, set around a dam with birdlife and gentle game viewing. This 3-night family stay includes 4-star accommodation, breakfast and dinner, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R5,245 per person sharing, down from R5,745. It suits families wanting space and easy activities for all ages.

Pilanesberg Crater Getaway (2 nights, from R7,490)

Pilanesberg is a malaria-free Big Five reserve set in an ancient volcanic crater, an easy game-viewing drive from Sun City. This 2-night safari includes 4-star accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two daily game drives, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R7,490 per person sharing, down from R7,990. A strong pick for anyone chasing Big Five sightings and time in the bush.

Hilltop Hideaway in Madikwe (4 nights, from R51,595)

Madikwe is an exclusive, malaria-free Big Five reserve near the Botswana border, known for its luxury lodges and quiet safaris. This 4-night safari includes 5-star accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two daily game drives, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R51,595 per room per night, down from R52,095. It suits wildlife lovers and first-time or returning safari-goers.

What Types of Staycation Does North West Offer?

• Big 5 Safari Tour: guided Big Five game drives from bush lodges and rest camps.
• Family Staycation: family-friendly stays with room and activities for all ages.
• Luxury Staycation: five-star escapes with standout service and settings.

What's Included in a North West Staycation Package?

• Star-rated accommodation for your chosen number of nights
• Daily breakfast on most packages (many safari lodges add lunch and dinner)
• Access to hotel and resort facilities
• All applicable taxes in the quoted price
• Easy Installments, so you can spread the cost over time
• Flights and transfers, unless the package says otherwise
• Extra meals and activities not listed on the package

Inclusions vary from one package to the next, so check the individual package for exact details.

Who Are North West Staycations Best For?

The North West is a genuine all-rounder. Families love Sun City's waterparks and the easy Pilanesberg drives, couples head to Madikwe's luxury lodges, and golfers have championship courses to play, all without the need to travel far or worry about malaria. Travellers drawn to this style of getaway often also browse the beaches and Berg of KwaZulu-Natal.

When Is the Best Time to Visit North West?

This is a year-round province. The dry winter, from May to September, is best for game viewing in the Pilanesberg and Madikwe, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Summer is hot and green, ideal for Sun City's pools and waterparks, with short afternoon storms. For a different-weather option at other times of year, take a look at the surf coast of the Eastern Cape.

What Should You Know Before You Book?

Sun City and the Pilanesberg are about two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the whole province is malaria-free, which makes it especially easy for families and first-time safari-goers. The Pilanesberg is an easy self-drive, while Madikwe and Sun City's activities are best arranged in advance. Book over school holidays and long weekends early, as the resort fills up fast.

How Do You Plan Your North West Trip?

Two nights is the sweet spot for a Sun City and Pilanesberg weekend: a day at the resort and its waterpark, and a morning or afternoon game drive next door. For a quieter, more exclusive safari, Madikwe rewards a longer stay of two to three nights. Families gravitate to Sun City, couples to Madikwe's private lodges, and golfers to the resort's championship courses. School holidays and long weekends are the busiest and priciest times at Sun City, so book early. Travelwings can bundle the resort, the Pilanesberg drives and the transfers to suit your dates and group. If you would like to pair this with somewhere different, the winelands and coast of the Western Cape makes an easy addition to a longer trip.

How Do You Book a North West Staycation?

To book, complete the enquiry form on this page, call the Travelwings South Africa team on +27 (0)12 006 0002, or email holidays.za@travelwings.com. Everything is priced in rand, and Easy Installments let you spread the cost on eligible packages, so you can lock in a rate now and pay it off before you travel.

---

Disclaimer: Prices shown are indicative lead-in rates, per person on a double-sharing basis unless stated otherwise, and are subject to availability, seasonal demand and change without notice. Inclusions vary by package. Please confirm the current price and details with Travelwings before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions: North West Staycations

1. How much does a North West staycation cost?
Lead-in prices currently start from around R2,295 per person sharing and reach about R51,595 per room per night for the most premium lodges and hotels. Most packages sit in between, and the live prices on this page are the best guide.

2. What is the cheapest North West staycation package?
At the time of writing, the Sun City Family Escape is the lowest-priced option, from about R2,295 per person sharing.

3. How long are the packages?
Most North West staycations run for 2 to 4 nights, with a mix of short weekend breaks and longer stays. You can also ask about extending a package.

4. Are flights included?
These are local staycations, so most packages are accommodation-based and do not include flights, though a few clearly marked fly-in options do. Check the individual package for what is covered.

5. Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Eligible packages can be booked with Easy Installments, letting you secure a rate now and pay it off over time.

6. What is included in a North West staycation package?
Packages typically include star-rated accommodation, daily breakfast, access to hotel facilities and all taxes, with inclusions varying by package. Safari packages often add lunch, dinner and daily game drives.

7. When is the best time to visit North West?
This is a year-round province.

8. How do I book a North West staycation?
Complete the enquiry form on this page, call +27 (0)12 006 0002, or email holidays.za@travelwings.com. The Travelwings South Africa team can help you choose a package and arrange Easy Installments.

9. Are these staycations good for families?
Yes: Sun City's waterpark and the malaria-free Pilanesberg make it one of the best family options in the country.

10. Do I need a car?
A car is handy for reaching the resort and the reserves, though Sun City and Madikwe can arrange transfers, so it is not essential.